Kindness

Word for the Year vs Resolutions

In many ways, I am a rule follower. In many other ways, I am not.

I don't make resolutions. I set goals for myself.

I listed my goals yesterday. Since I am not always a rule follower, I didn't choose just one word for the year. I chose two.

Kindness is one of my two words.

Definition: The quality of being friendly, generous and considerate.

**Synonyms: compassion, mercy, grace, considerateness, thoughtfulness

Anyone can be kind.  

We may not be able to answer difficult questions, cook spectacular meals, give lots of money, or make a difference to multitudes but we can show kindness - daily!

In a world, which at times seems cold and harsh, a simple act of kindness, that comes from the heart of God, is one of the most healing and helpful gifts we can offer to others. 

Kindness is a behavior marked by ethical characteristics, a pleasant disposition, and a concern for others. It is known as a virtue, and is recognized as a value in many cultures and religions. 

Aesop stated: "No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." [This is my work email tag-line] 

Aristotle, Book II of his "Rhetoric," defines it as being "helpfulness towards someone in need, not in return for anything, nor for the advantage of the helper himself, but for that of the person helped." 

Kindness is considered to be one of the Knightly Virtues. 

In many world religious teachings, God is synonymous with kindness. "God is so kind that it is impossible to imagine His unbounded kindness!"

When we show kindness, we reflect Christ to others. 

To show kindness, you don't have to move mountains. You can change the world by being so full of gratitude for your own life, you will exude kindness to everyone and everything in your path. 

My days lead me down many different paths: my home, Room 106, Target, Kroger, my church, my neighborhood, the library, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, my text messages ... each of these paths offer me so many opportunities to show kindness. I need only to respond. 

Novelist Henry James stated: "Three things in human life are important: the first is to be kind; the second is to be kind; and the third is to be kind." 

Books telling you how and why you should be kind are written and published daily. I received one as a gift this year: Simple Acts of Kindness - 500+ Ways to Make a Difference. 

There is a biology of kindness. Science tells us when we show kindness to others, a positive result occurs in our physical health. We develop a better heart rate and immune system. We feel more connected in our life. These, in turn, cause us to be so full of gratitude we will exude kindness. What a wonderful "vicious circle."

Anyone can be kind, we just need to choose to do so.  

Today, and every day, I will be choosing to practice #4 on my list of goals.

 ~ Jan 💓